Barbados Implementation Modalities (BIM): A new chapter for loss and damage action - Technical partnership with PPI

I. Understanding the BIM: The First Operational Window of the FRLD

The Barbados Implementation Modalities (BIM) represent the inaugural set of interventions established by the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) for the 2025 -2026. Under the UNFCCC, the FRLD aims to assist developing nations, particularly those most vulnerable to climate impacts to address irreversible economic and non-economic impacts of climate induced events. As a pilot phase, 250 million USD was set aside under BIM to test and refine the Fund’s operational modalities. Its mandate is to provide timely, country-led and locally driven solutions that will empower communities worldwide to rebuild and adapt after experiencing climate-related losses.

II. Strategic Applications

BIM allows countries to access between 5 - 20 million USD per funding request to address gaps in the current loss and damage (L&D) institutional landscape. Eligible activities include (but are not limited to) responses to both economic and non-economic L&D. Funding may be used to complement humanitarian responses, support intermediate and long-term recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation. It can also be used to address slow-onset impacts, strengthen national capacities and support initiatives that promote equitable and dignified solutions for climate-related displaced and migration. It further supports activities that address priority gaps in the current global, regional and national L&D institutional landscape.

The funding cycle is designed to be streamlined and efficient, moving from a six-month submission window (opening December 15, 2025) to Board approval and rapid disbursement. Importantly, at least 50% of BIM resources are reserved for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), recognizing their heightened vulnerability to climate-related impacts.

III. The Role of Prepared International (PPI)

PPI specializes in bridging the gap between high-level international mechanisms and local implementation. PPI’s expertise addresses mechanisms designed to avert, minimize, and address both economic and non-economic losses. PPI’s methodology spans the entire spectrum of L&D, from quantifying and mitigating measurable economic losses through systems such as business continuity management (BCM) and resilient infrastructure, to addressing the crucial yet often difficult-to-quantify non-economic losses through expertise in human health, displacement management, and cultural protection. As an active member of the Santiago Network, PPI is uniquely positioned to provide technical assistance required to operationalize L&D mechanisms.

The BIM process follows a bottom-up approach in which countries develop and submit funding requests through their National Focal Points. PPI act as a technical partner, supporting countries throughout the entire funding cycle, from concept development to project implementation. PPI provides support in the following areas:

a. Proposal Development and Technical Support

• Support the drafting of funding requests, ensuring alignment with technical review criteria.
• Develop a clear risk narrative to identify climate vulnerability hotspots and priority intervention areas.
• Define measurable outcomes and indicators aligned with the FRLD results measurement framework.

b. Stakeholder Engagement and Local Ownership

• Facilitate inclusive consultation processes with affected communities, local authorities, and civil society to ensure projects are genuinely locally driven.

c. Institutional and Technical Capacity Building

• Support governments align proposals with fiduciary standards and environmental and social safeguards required by the Fund.
• Assist with the analysis and management of L&D data, including strengthening national systems for monitoring climate impacts.
• Support the development of SOPs and institutional frameworks for national L&D mechanisms.

d. Implementation and Operational Delivery

PPI act as a full-service implementation partner, supporting countries in delivering BIM-funded projects in line with donor expectations and national priorities. This may include:

• Implementing L&D recovery projects following climate-related disasters.
• Designing and delivering locally driven climate adaptation, preparedness or risk reduction initiatives.
• Develop public-private partnership models to strengthen resilience financing and implementation capacity.
• Support the protection of cultural and intangible heritage affected by climate impacts.

By collaborating with PPI, National FPs can submit robust, high-impact proposals that maximize their country's share of the USD 250 million BIM allocation before the 15 June 2026 deadline.